Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has challenged salaried Kenyans to rethink their dependence on monthly pay.
Speaking on the Over 1M Podcast, Jalang’o said he does not believe in relying on a salary received only 12 times a year.
“Sikubali kulipwa mara kumi na mbili kwa mwaka.”
The statement, which translates to “I don’t accept being paid only 12 times a year,” has sparked conversations about employment, side hustles and financial independence.
Jalang’o Questions Salary-Only Mindset
Jalang’o’s message centred on the importance of developing additional sources of income. He encouraged employed Kenyans to look beyond their regular monthly salaries and explore ways of increasing their earnings.
His comments come as many Kenyans continue navigating rising living costs and financial pressures. For salaried workers, additional income can come through different activities, including businesses, freelance work and other income-generating ventures.
However, such ventures also require careful planning, particularly where workers have existing employment obligations.
The Push for Multiple Income Streams
The idea of having several income streams has become increasingly popular among young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Rather than depending entirely on one employer, some workers use their skills to develop businesses or offer services outside their regular jobs.
Digital platforms have also created opportunities for Kenyans to sell products, provide professional services and build online businesses.
Still, building an additional income stream does not guarantee financial success. It can require capital, time, consistency and an understanding of the risks involved.
Jalang’o’s Message to Workers
Jalang’o’s remarks have therefore reignited a familiar conversation around the traditional 9-to-5 lifestyle. His central message was that workers should consider ways of expanding their earning capacity instead of depending entirely on one monthly salary.
For many Kenyans, the conversation raises a broader question about whether employment should remain the only source of income or serve as a foundation for building other financial opportunities.
